Remember ...

Suicidal thoughts, like all thoughts, are temporary. Suicide is permanent.

Depression and other mental health challenges can distort your perspective and make things seem worse than they truly are – or make you believe that you’ll never feel good again. But the pain or challenges you feel now will not last forever. Help is available. And help works.

Suicide at Cornell

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens and young adults. Although suicide is slightly less common among college students than among young adults who are not enrolled in college, recent studies show that student depression and anxiety are at all-time highs. Left untreated, these mental health issues (among others) can lead to suicidal thinking.

33% of survey respondents reported being unable to function academically (e.g., missing classes, unable to study or complete homework) for at least a week due to depression, stress or anxiety at least once during the last year.

9% of survey respondents reported having seriously considered attempting suicide at least once during the last year.

1.7% of survey respondents reported having actually attempted suicide at least once in the last year.

Historically, the number of suicides at Cornell has been consistent with national averages. As mental health concerns have increased on college campuses over the past several decades, Cornell has dedicated more resources and services toward student mental health and suicide prevention. For example, after a suicide cluster occurred on campus in 2009, Cornell implemented an important means restriction project to install fences along, and then netting below, seven bridges on campus. Learn more about our suicide prevention work on our Mental Health Initiatives page.

Reporting on suicide

Suicide is a public health issue. Media coverage of suicide can influence the public’s behavior – either negatively by contributing to a “contagion factor,” or positively by encouraging help-seeking. It is imperative that the media follow the reporting guidelines established by media and suicide-prevention experts. Please visit our Media Inquiries page for details.